Rockets’ Shooting Could Be Downfall

3) Long Attempts:

• The Rockets have the quicker set of guards but they often let the Spurs off the hook when they settle for very long threes. Harden is a talented player that can get to the hoop at will but he often is settling for jumpers. He shot 13 threes in Game 3 hitting 5 of them--38%. This isn't the worst percentage in the world but Harden took a few ill-advised attempts. Beverly also would have been better served driving to the basket , he was 1 for 5 from behind the arc.

2) Shooting Attempts:

• As a team the Rockets have attempted 122 three-point shots in the first three games.In Game One that strategy worked and Rockets shot well, but in the two losses they are only shooting 31% from three. The Rockets have always been a high volume three-point shooting team but so far it is playing in the Spurs’ hands. Rockets aren’t taking advantage of their speed and ability to get in the paint like they could.

1) Shooting Fouls:

• The referees have been allowing contact in these games and the Rockets have been waiting for calls that may never come. Several miss baskets,Harden in particular, were from them attempting to draw the foul versus focusing on making the shot. These awkward sequences led to turnovers and easy baskets for the Spurs. These games are being determined by the little things, a small tweak here and there could shift the series.